TLDR
Unassuming Hell's Kitchen gem serving authentic, bold Sichuan flavors with a side of whimsical plating. Ideal for groups craving spice and a low-key atmosphere.
Molly Fitzpatrick reviews Sky Pavilion, a Hell's Kitchen Sichuan restaurant that offers bold flavors like tingly tofu pudding and tender stir-fried rabbit, making it a worthwhile destination even in Times Square.
Details
Located in Hell's Kitchen, this unassuming spot is a standout for authentic, high-quality Sichuan flavors, including impressive dishes like stir-fried spicy rabbit and tofu pudding [1], [2]. The atmosphere is notably unfussy and at times quirky, featuring whimsical plating that makes it a great choice for large groups or a pre-theater meal [1], [2]. While the restaurant is often praised for its excellent and spicy cuisine, some diners find certain dishes, such as the Kung Pao chicken, to be a bit overpriced and overwhelmed by chilis and peppercorns [1], [3].
Food Overview
The menu is a deep dive into Sichuan cuisine, featuring highlights like crispy hot chicken with dough twists, braised fish fillet, and stir-fried loofah [1], [4]. While most guests rave about the bold, spicy flavors and quality of the poultry and seafood, others have found the Dan Dan noodles underwhelming [1], [3], [4].
Customer Sentiment
Diners generally praise the restaurant for its excellent and authentic Sichuan cuisine, friendly service, and uncrowded environment [1], [4]. However, experiences can be mixed, with some noting frustration over BYOB policy confusion and others finding specific dishes like Kung Pao to be overpriced [3], [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SKY PAVILION
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Suggestions On Favorite Chongqingdry
"The commenter notes they make a great version that includes crispy dough twists."
PositiveFrom post: Something Easy Lunch Or Dinner For 2 Demoralized
"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street, serves excellent Szechuan food, with the crispy hot chicken being a standout. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is never crowded."
PositiveFrom post: Got A Job At Times Square Any Good Cheap Food
"Sky Pavilion was listed as one of several dining options in the Times Square area."
NeutralFrom post: Favorite Chinatown Spot That Has Alcoholdrinks On
"Sky Pavilion is highly recommended, but despite being listed as BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) online, they did not allow the commenter to open their own beer because they sell beer but not wine or liquor."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Taking Out Of Tower Family
"Sky Pavilion is recommended for Chinese food, noting they have large tables suitable for groups."
PositiveFrom post: King Pao Chicken Like This In Ny
"This commenter mentions Sky Pavilion in response to the query about Kung Pao chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chinese
"Provided detailed recommendations for Sky Pavilion, emphasizing that many dishes are spicy and suggesting to ask staff about spice levels."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chinese
"Asked for recommendations at Sky Pavilion, expressing openness to trying different dishes."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Requested recommendations for Sky Pavilion, noting a lack of familiarity with the cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Inquired about recommendations at Sky Pavilion due to unfamiliarity with Sichuan cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Listed Sky Pavilion as a recommendation, specifying it serves Sichuan cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Sky Pavilion is recommended as a good Chinese restaurant, located between 8th and 9th Avenues on 42nd Street. The user later provided detailed recommendations on dishes, noting that many are spicy."
PositiveFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a potentially tourist-friendly option in the Times Square area."
NeutralFrom post: Great Eats For A Picky Teen
"Sky Pavilion is suggested as a Chinese restaurant option."
PositiveFrom post: Family Style Chinese Food Dinner In Midtown Nyc
"Sky Pavilion is mentioned as a restaurant recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Suggestions Chinese Restaurant Around The West
"Sky Pavilion, located on 42nd street near 8th avenue, was recommended."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"This commenter suggested trying Chongqing chicken or Laziji, describing it as similar to the dish at Sky Pavilion but drier, with more cumin tones, and without peanuts."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"The commenter noted the similarity of the dish to Chongqing Chicken (La Zi Ji) from Sichuan cuisine, characterized by numbing peppercorns and abundant chilis. They pointed out it's typically a drier dish than Kung Pao and suggested checking Sichuan restaurants for similar options with varying names."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"The commenter expressed excitement about trying the dish, appreciating the tip for finding spicy Kung Pao."
PositiveFrom post: Kung Pao Sky Pavilion Midtown West
"Expressing interest in trying the dish due to a preference for extra spicy food."
Positive